GM-GMC: Testing for draw on a battery, gmc sonoma, volt ohmmeter

Question
My question is kinda generic, not specific to diesel trucks. I've heard there is a way to check idle (key in off position) draw on a battery using just a multimeter. I'm working on my '99 GMC Sonoma, with a 2.2l, and I have a Fluke 73 series ll multimeter. I was under the impression that it was just a matter of installing the meter inline between the battery and the negative cable. Is this true? And if so, does it make a difference where you put the positive and negative leads from the meter? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Set your Fluke to the highest Amp setting as a precaution (though this may not apply on an autoranging meter).  You may also have a jack on the meter for higher Amp readings (most meters use a shunt for this purpose).  If so, connect the positive test lead to that jack.

The lead that you touch to the battery should be the same as the battery terminal polarity.

If you use the negative lead, then connect the Fluke's negative lead to the negative battery terminal and the positive lead to the negative cable that was removed from the battery.

I understand that the Fluke is autoranging.  If you see no reading, move the positive test lead to the "normal" jack on the Fluke and you should see a reading.  A few milliAmps is normal for the memory in the clock, radio, alarm system, etc.

The reason for starting at the upper end and then working your way down the Amp reading scale is that a Volt-Ohmmeter becomes part of the circuit you wish to measure current in.  The fuse in the meter will blow if there is too much current.